Apple rolls out third developer betas for iOS 11.4.1, tvOS 11.4.1

Apple has released the third betas for iOS 11.4.1 and tvOS 11.4.1 to developers for testing, one week after the second betas were issued, with the shorter time between betas suggesting Apple is nearing a full release of the updates.

The code for the new betas of both operating systems can be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center, as well as through an over-the-air update to iPhones and Apple TVs already enrolled into Apple's testing program. Public beta releases usually arrive a few days after the developer versions.

The third iOS 11.4.1 beta is build number 15G5072a, following the second beta with build number 15G5063b. The third tvOS 11.4.1 beta uses build number 15M5071b, replacing build 15M5063a.

At the time of publication, there is no sign of similar betas for watchOS 4.3.2 or macOS 10.13.6.

The betas so far have seemingly consisted of bug fixes and performance improvements, rather than introducing new features. It is probable that Apple is saving any new items for its milestone operating system releases, iOS 12 and tvOS 12, due this fall but currently undergoing their own beta testing.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly advise against installing beta releases on mission-critical hardware, due to the potential loss of data. It is suggested that those interested in trying out the betas use secondary devices for testing, and to keep backups of any important data before installing or updating the software.